Reader's View: Western Duluth well served by Grimm on County Board

I applauded the News Tribune's Oct. 18 endorsement of Ashley Grimm for St Louis County commissioner in District 3.

I have known Grimm for more than four years as a neighbor and have regularly participated with her at political actions and at our local precinct caucuses. She is a positive, enthusiastic person who takes her job seriously and truly cares about the people she serves. She has the educational and professional credentials that qualify her in her role as commissioner. She has worked hard to improve child-care funding, mental-health services, veterans' access to benefits, and increased housing opportunities. She has taken a responsible approach to mining and the environment.

The challenger in the election, Janet Kennedy, said Grimm is not serving western Duluth well, but Grimm's accomplishments prove otherwise, ranging from helping to create a new skate park and rec center in Gary-New Duluth to supporting funding for the Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative, and more.

Grimm has fought for a "fair share" for western Duluth, even though she is one of seven commissioners who must share resources throughout the whole of St. Louis County.

I agreed with the newspaper's editorial that western Duluth would be better served with Grimm continuing as commissioner for District 3 and her opponent carrying out the remaining years of her term as District 5 Duluth city councilor, a position she contracted with the citizens of western Duluth to fill until it expires on Jan. 3, 2028.

At the Senate District 8 convention last April, Grimm gave a confident, forward-looking speech and handily won the endorsement of the DFL delegates in the first round. Her hard-working, optimistic, and fiscally realistic approach earned her re-election to another four years as county commissioner.

Thomas Starkey